February edition: The Sacred Heart Messenger magazine

The redemptive and devotional role of water in the Christian life; how compassion, acts of mercy and the active pursuit of justice are doorways to the heart of God; the profound charity, mercy and dedication to justice of St Brigid and her contemporary counterpart, Sr Stan; a new book on a new pope – will his Augustinian charism guide Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate? All this and more in the packed February Messenger.

PRESS RELEASE FROM MESSENGER PUBLICATIONS

20 January 2026

  • The cleansing power of water forms the basis for several articles in the February Messenger. Gerard Condonwrites about the Sacrament of Baptism, the most dramatic demonstration of the importance of water for Christians; Kevin Hargaden observes that the almost 3,000 holy wells dotted around Ireland are sites of devotion and pilgrimage for many; and Brendan McManus SJ shares how he – and others around him – used the therapeutic medium of water in the form of swimming pools as the first step in rehabilitation following surgery. 
  • Compassion and the pursuit of justice are doorways into the heart of God says Bishop Michael Router, writing about St Brigid, revered for her profound charity, mercy and dedication to justice; a contemporary example is Sr Stan, whose challenge to us today, writes John Scally in his tribute to her, is to remember that when we serve our brothers and sisters, we serve Jesus. And Andrea Hayes sees compassion and love in the small acts of kindness and support in the Accident and Emergency department of a hospital.
  • In an extract from our just-published book on Pope Leo XIV, author Brian Heffernan ponders whether Prevost’s Augustinian consciousness may be a major thread running through his pontificate. 
  • We read about The Red Chair Campaign, supporting school materials and supplies across Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda in Joe Munnelly from Irish Jesuits International’s uplifting article. 
  • Gerry O’Hanlon SJ contemplates next steps for the Irish synodal pathway.
  • And Peter McVerry SJ describes how the principle of restorative justice challenges the offender to understand the impact of his actions and take responsibility for them.

As the season approaches, Vincent Sherlock and Tom Cox write about Ash Wednesday and Lent, respectively, and we have our regular reflections, scripture, children’s pages and some sweet treats in our cookery section. A packed issue to bring you through the remains of the dark days into Spring!

The Sacred Heart Messenger magazine
A modern message in a much-loved tradition.

With the best writing on Spirituality, Prayer, Care for the Earth, Modern life, Scripture as well as RE:LINK, our supplement for young people that follows the RE Junior Cycle PA in schools.

Subscribe nowto the best-selling religious publication produced in Ireland today! 
From only €45 per annum or €15 for the digital issue.

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